An ASN.1 Model and Integration Approach for Structured Text

A language for manipulating ASN.1 print files is defined as an addition to the ASN.1 data definition language as specified in the ISO standards 8824 and 8825. The language has syntax similar in spirit to SQL, and provides analogous operations. Together, ASN.1 and the manipulation language define a model that can represent attribute hierarchies, multivalued attributes, optional attributes, both ordered and unordered attributes and tuples, and unnamed attributes—constructs that are absent in the traditional relational model. In addition, the proposed model allows the semantics of order, homogeneity, optionality, choosability, and uniqueness to be attached to constructs and construct elements. The approach is well suited for modeling data where form is important, such as text and flat file databases having ad hoc formats. It also supports modeling relations. The primary motivation for developing this language is to provide a common model for a database integration approach where some of the databases are in the form of formatted flat file text, while others are relational. Although the approach is general and can be applied in many different areas, scientific database and tool integration was the primary motive for its development.     

Self-tuning dynamic models of HVAC system components

A great majority of modern buildings are equipped with Energy Management and Control Systems (EMCS) which monitor and collect operating data from different components of heating ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Models derived and tuned by using the collected data can be incorporated into the EMCS for online prediction of the system performance. To that end, HVAC component models with self-tuning parameters were developed and validated in this paper. The model parameters were tuned online by using a genetic algorithm which minimizes the error between measured and estimated performance data. The developed models included: a zone temperature model, return air enthalpy/humidity and CO₂ concentration models, a cooling and heating coil model, and a fan model. The study also includes tools for estimating the thermal and ventilation loads. The models were validated against real data gathered from an existing HVAC system. The validation results show that the component models augmented with an online parameter tuner, significantly improved the accuracy of predicted outputs. The use of such models offers several advantages such as designing better real-time control, optimization of overall system performance, and online fault detection.     

Towards a suite of quality metrics for KADS-domain knowledge

In this paper, the quality metrics suite for object oriented (OO) design is partially used as an initial concept to develop metrics for statically measuring quality of KADS-domain knowledge bases. KADS-domain knowledge bases have common characteristics with OO, and other distinct features that limit the usage of some OO quality metrics. Therefore, new sets of domain knowledge quality metrics are proposed. The proposed matrices are enriched with an automatic tool used to measure quality of real world expert systems. In order to assess the effectiveness of these proposed quality metrics, these metrics were applied on a sample of real world agriculture application domains developed by CLAES (The Central Laboratory of Agriculture Expert System). Finally, complete analysis of the results obtained due to applying these metrics is presented.     

Olfactory Responses of Parasitoid Apoanagyrus lopezi to Odor of Plants, Mealybugs, and Plant–Mealybug Complexes

Apoanagyrus (Epidinocarsis) lopezi De Santis is an endoparasitoid used in the biological control of the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero in Africa. The response of naive and mated females of A. lopezi to odors from cassava plant (var. Zanaga), parasitized or unparasitized mealybugs, and plant–mealybug host complexes with or without feeding hosts was investigated in a Y-tube olfactometer. Dual-choice tests revealed that mealybug-infested plants and mealybug-damaged plants were the major sources of volatiles that attract female parasitoids to the microhabitat of its hosts. The emission of volatile chemicals appears not to be limited to the infested plant part but to occur systemically throughout the plant. On their own, unparasitized mealybugs were more attractive than uninfested plants or parasitized mealybugs alone. Parasitization of P. manihoti by A. lopezi decreased the response of parasitoids to mealybugs or mealybug–plant complexes. Plants infested with unparasitized hosts attracted more female parasitoids than plants infested with parasitized mealybugs. These results indicate that, in the long-range host-searching process, females of A. lopezi respond mainly to mealybug-induced synomones, and specific host-derived cues play a minor role.     

Optimization of fluoride removal from brackish water by electrodialysis

The study showed that desired potable water can be easily obtained by electrodialysis from fluoride-rich brackish water. Studies have been performed to defluoridate brackish water containing 3000 ppm of total dissolved solids (TDS) and 3 ppm of fluoride using electrodialysis. The behaviour of water parameters (ion contents, TDS, pH, total hardness) with electrodialysis parameters (duration, flow rate, temperature, voltages) is followed. Optimal operational conditions for obtaining desired potable water have been proposed.     

Fabrication of CdSe‐Nanofibers with Potential for Biomedical Applications

The design and synthesis of nanostructured functional hybrid biomaterials are essential for the next generation of advanced diagnostics and the treatment of disease. A simple route to fabricate semiconductor nanofibers by self‐assembled, elastin‐like polymer (ELP)‐templated semiconductor nanoparticles is reported. Core–shell nanostructures of CdSe nanoparticles with a shell of ELPs are used as building blocks to fabricate functional one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures. The CdSe particles are generated in situ within the ELP matrix at room temperature. The ELP controls the size and the size‐distribution of the CdSe nanoparticles in an aqueous medium and simultaneously directs the self‐assembly of core–shell building blocks into fibril architectures. It was found that the self‐assembly of core–shell building blocks into nanofibers is strongly dependent on the pH value of the medium. Results of cytotoxicity and antiproliferation of the CdSe‐ELP nanofibers demonstrate that the CdSe‐ELP does not exhibit any toxicity towards B14 cells. Moreover, these are found to be markedly capable of crossing the cell membrane of B14. In contrast, unmodified CdSe nanoparticles with ELPs cause a strong toxic response and reduction in the cell proliferation. This concept is valid for the fabrication of a variety of metallic and semiconductor 1D‐architectures. Therefore, it is believed that these could be used not only for biomedical purposes but for application in a wide range of advanced miniaturized devices.